ETSU head coach Murry Bartow talks with the CBS television talent -- including Dick Enberg and Lesley Visser -- following the Buccaneers practice Thursday at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 18, 2004) - The East Tennessee State University men's basketball team participated in its final practice session and met with the media Thursday, as the Buccaneers move ever closer to their first round NCAA Tournament game with Cincinnati.

The No. 13-seeded Bucs (27-5) will face off with the No. 4-seeded Bearcats (24-6) Friday at approximately 2:45 p.m. as part of CBS's national coverage. ETSU will be competing in its second-straight NCAA Tournament and the seventh in school history.

After last season's 76-73 loss to No. 2 seed Wake Forest in the 2003 NCAA Tournament, the Bucs are entering this game with a purpose, even though head coach Murry Bartow knows the team will not be sneaking up on anyone this season.

"I think the experience of being there a year ago helps our team and is beneficial," said Bartow. "We have to play well, but if we do we like to think we have a chance to win. I think it's harder for this team this year, though, because last year this team was a little bit under the radar."

ETSU fans can listen to the Sophisticated Otter Countdown to Tipoff beginning at 2 p.m. Friday on the Buccaneer Sports Network or by clicking on the BSN logo at www.etsubucs.com. And for more information on the NCAA Tournament - including player//coach quotes, statistics and scheduling - check out the NCAA Tournament website: